Assam grapples with a severe flood crisis as the death toll has tragically reached 82 with 1.92 lakh people affected. This grave situation continues to unfold in the districts of Sivasagar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, and Charaideo, where officials reported two new fatalities on Saturday.
The flood situation has shown signs of improvement since Thursday, when over two lakh residents faced the impacts across eight districts. However, authorities warned of a severe flood situation on the banks of Dikhow and Dhansiri rivers in Sivasagar and Numaligarh, urging locals to maintain caution.
As aid pours in, around 13,000 people find refuge in 54 relief camps, while an additional 5,384 individuals receive assistance at 26 relief distribution centres. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in relief operations across the affected regions.
The state government initiated discussions with insurance companies and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) for the fast-tracking of claims. This decisive action aims to alleviate financial burdens on flood victims.
In a bid to expedite damage assessments, officials emphasized the importance of quick evaluations to facilitate fund disbursements for repairs. The relentless fury of floods has impacted numerous families across Assam, particularly in districts like Charaideo, Sivasagar, and Jorhat.
Charaideo district suffered the most, with 77,456 individuals affected, followed closely by 63,492 in Sivasagar and 34,067 in Jorhat. In a recent statement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a cabinet decision to gather with private and government insurance firms on August 5 to expedite the settlement of claims for insured vehicles and properties.
Additionally, discussions with NBFCs will explore options to grant a moratorium for borrowers in the worst-hit districts. These measures come after Sarma chaired a special meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), where the provision of a six-month moratorium for all flood-affected individuals was formally agreed upon.
These coordinated actions specifically target the gravely affected districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, as the state government works tirelessly to provide relief and support to its citizens. “As floods affect four districts of Assam, our government stands firmly with every affected family,” Sarma emphasized in a social media post.
Additionally, over ₹41 crore has been approved under the PM Surya Ghar scheme as pending state subsidy to benefit 9,289 individuals impacted by the floods, ensuring assistance reaches those in crucial need. The Chief Minister instructed the Power Department to guarantee that Assam Power Distribution Corporation Ltd directly deposits these funds into beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the coming Tuesday.
As Assam continues to combat this devastating flood crisis, the government remains committed to supporting its citizens through effective relief measures. The collective efforts of various agencies and the resolve of the people of Assam shine through amid the challenges posed by the ongoing floods.
